Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2022 | Care | Research
Stakeholders’ perspectives of mobile x-ray services in support of healthcare-in-place in residential aged care facilities: a qualitative study
Published in: BMC Geriatrics | Issue 1/2022
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Background
There is interest in reducing avoidable emergency department presentations from residential aged care facilities (RACF). Mobile x-ray services may enable the delivery of healthcare in residential aged care facilities. Accordingly, the Australian Government in November 2019 introduced a Medicare Benefit Schedule rebate providing for a ‘call-out’ fee payable to radiology service providers.
This study aims to understand stakeholder perspectives on the benefits of mobile x-ray services and the factors influencing their adoption by RACFs.
Design, setting, participants
Twenty-two semi-structured interviews were conducted between October 2020 and February 2021 with a range of stakeholders involved in healthcare delivery to residents: a) general practitioners; b) emergency department clinicians; c) paramedic clinicians; d) a hospital avoidance clinician; e) radiology clinicians and managers; and f) aged care clinicians and managers. Thematic analysis was conducted.
Results
Mobile x-ray services were considered valuable for RACF residents. Lack of timely general practitioner in-person assessment and referral, as well as staffing deficits in residential aged care facilities, reduces optimal use of mobile x-ray services and results in potentially unnecessary hospital transfers.
Conclusions
The use of mobile x-ray services, as a hospital avoidance strategy, depends on the capacity of RACFs to provide more complex healthcare-in-place. However, this requires greater access to general practitioners for in-person assessment and referral, adequate staffing numbers and appropriately skilled nursing staff within residential aged care facilities.